About The Song
Johnny Rivers is an American singer-songwriter who released a classic rock song called “Memphis” in 1964. The song pays tribute to the musical and cultural influence of Memphis, where the song is set, and explores the diverse music scene of the city. The lyrics of “Memphis” are mysterious and evoke images of the rustic South. The song was a number two US hit and has since become a classic in rock music.
“Memphis” was written by the legendary Chuck Berry in 1959, it is a classic hillbilly rock tune that explores the hopeful pursuit of reuniting with a lost love. The recording of the song took place at the Whisky A-Go-Go in Hollywood, with the production led by Lou Adler and the engineering handled by Wally Heider.
Video
Lyrics
Long distance information, give me Memphis, Tennessee
Help me find a party that tried to get in touch with me
She could not leave a number, but I know who placed the call
‘Cause my uncle took a message, and he wrote it on the wall
Help me, information, get in touch with my Marie
She’s the only one who’d call me here from Memphis, Tennessee
Her home is on the south side, high upon a ridge
Just a half a mile from the Mississippi bridge
Last time I saw Marie, she was wavin’ me goodbye
With “hurry-home” drops on her cheek that trickled from her eye
But we were pulled apart, because her mom did not agree
And tore apart our happy home in Memphis, Tennessee
Help me, information, more than that I cannot add
Only that I miss her and all the fun we had
Marie is only six years old, information, please
Try to put me through to her in Memphis, Tennessee